Capacitor Control Guidelines: Choosing Type and Settings

The fundamental goal of this project is to determine the optimal combination of different types of controls and settings for different types of distribution feeders (such as urban, rural, or a combination of urban and rural) under various circumstances, given the existing capacitor bank locations and ratings. For the simulation exercise, the “optimal” control or combination of controls is defined as the one that minimizes total system losses over the year. Some of the “various circumstances” relevant to this study may include loading variations, load mix variations, and others to be determined. A secondary project goal is to understand and compare how capacitors are controlled after placement, including the design objectives, required measurements, best-fit scenarios, assumptions, advantages and tradeoffs. The results of this project can be used as a guideline by DSTAR members.